BBC defies India to air Nirbhaya documentary in UK

Defying the ban imposed by the Indian government on the telecast of Nirbhaya documentary film, ‘India’s Daughter’, which is based on the interview of one of the convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape case, BBC decided to go ahead with its telecast, saying that the film had handled the issue “responsibly”. The film was on Wednesday night broadcast in the UK on channel BBC 4. The channel is also available for viewing in other countries. Indian government has decided to take action against BBC for defying the ban.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that, “the government would not allow the telecast of the film in India, and would also seek to stop its broadcast worldwide. Rajnath also said that a probe will be held to find out how the permission was given to interview the convict inside Tihar Jail.”

Originally, BBC had decided to show it on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day, but suddenly decided to advance it, saying it will enable viewers to see this “incredibly powerful documentary at the earliest opportunity”. The film is also available for viewing online

Nirbhaya’s father spoke on the controversy, he said, “The documentary is like a mirror, it shows what we are really doing. I want to ask the PM, when daughters can’t be saved how can they get educated? This is an insult to country as the channel has aired the documentary despite ban.Had they even aired it in India I wouldn’t have had any problem, but when government bans it, I am with them.”

Nirbhaya’s mother too spoke on the controversy, “Our daughter died and we cried for justice, but what did we get? Why are we made to pay a price of it? We feel we will die while fighting for justice but the accused would not get punishment.”

BBC made a statement in it’s defense, “This harrowing documentary, made with the full support and co-operation of the victim’s parents, provides a revealing insight into a horrific crime that sent shock waves around the world and led to protests across India demanding changes in attitudes towards women. The film handles the issue responsibly and we are confident the programme fully complies with our editorial guidelines.”

The Delhi Police has already filed an FIR in the case and have begun investigation